Letter to the Editor: Measure “C”

Monday

May 5, 2014 at 4:00 PM

I am concerned about Measure “C,” the Jefferson Republic Territory Initiative on the June 3 election.

Greg Dinger,Mount Shasta

I am concerned about Measure “C,” the Jefferson Republic Territory Initiative on the June 3 election. I believe that Measure “C” would hurt our county and significantly lower property values in Siskiyou County. The long term effects of passage of Measure “C” and the steps that follow would remove state and federal funds (about one third of our county income), from Siskiyou County, end our county’s ability to fund our infrastructure (fire, police, schools roads, etc.) and create unclear relations with the state and federal government.

Those effects would have a direct result of creating uncertainty. Uncertainty on the part of businesses who might otherwise consider moving to Siskiyou, and uncertainty on the part of families and individuals who might otherwise consider purchasing a home in our communities. Some might find this initiative so disturbing that they might want to vacate our communities. And all of this would lead to declining property values!

I have read what the supporters of Measure “C” have said about the Jefferson Republic Territory. Their articles and speeches are long on grand ideas, but nearly empty of specific accurate details. I have yet to see any realistic proposals on how we would pay for the Jefferson Republic Territory.

I urge everyone who is concerned about the future of Siskiyou County or has money invested in our county to read about Measure “C” and to vote “no” on Measure “C.” This is not a partisan issue. Measure “C” is a bad idea that would hurt our county and discourage people and businesses from investing in or moving here.